Coronavirus: panic buying of food staples in Pyongyang, as North Korea insists it has no cases

Food prices in North Korea are reportedly rising sharply because of panic buying, but this is not related to reports that leader Kim Jong-un is ill

North Korea has told the World Health Organisation it has tested 740 people for Covid-19 and released 25,139 from quarantine, and all were negative

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Masked people commute in Pyongyang. Food prices in North Korea have reportedly risen sharply because of panic buying. Photo: Kyodo

Published: 7:00am, 24 Apr 2020Updated: 7:04am, 24 Apr 2020

Consumers in North Korea’s capital this week have been “panic buying” food staples, causing some store shelves to empty, according to a news service that specialises in the country.

The purchases may be due to stricter coronavirus measures on the way for Pyongyang and do not appear related to reports this week that leader Kim Jong-un may be seriously ill, NK News reported, citing people who live in Pyongyang and were able to communicate outside the country.

Shortages were initially limited to imported fruit and vegetables and then moved on to other goods, it said.

Students wearing face masks have their temperature checked at Kim Chaek University of Technology in Pyongyang. Photo: AP

Radio Free Asia also reported last week that the prices of food staples in North Korea were rising sharply because of panic buying.

North Korea closed its borders in January when coronavirus cases in neighbouring China began to skyrocket. It also banned foreign tourists, intensified screening and mobilised health workers to monitor residents and isolate those with symptoms.

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